Scholasticism: A Deep Dive into Medieval Thought

Scholasticism is a method of learning that dominated the medieval universities of Europe from the 12th to the 17th century. It was a system of philosophical and theological inquiry that sought to reconcile the teachings of Christianity with the best of Greek philosophy.

Introduction to Scholasticism

Scholasticism was not a philosophy or a theology in itself but a tool and method for learning which placed emphasis on dialectical reasoning. The primary purpose of scholasticism was to find the answer to a question or resolve a contradiction. It is most well-known for its application in medieval Christian theology, especially in attempts to reconcile the philosophy of the ancient classical philosophers (particularly Aristotle) with Christian theology.

Key Philosophers

Thomas Aquinas

Thomas Aquinas was an Italian Dominican friar and one of the most influential philosophers of the Middle Ages. He attempted to reconcile faith and reason, arguing that both could coexist and complement each other. His most famous work, "Summa Theologica," is considered one of the classics of the history of philosophy and still studied in most philosophy classes today.

Duns Scotus

John Duns Scotus was a Scottish Catholic priest and philosopher. He is known for his philosophy of "univocity of being," the idea that existence is the most abstract concept we have, applicable to everything that exists. He also made significant contributions to the philosophy of logic, ethics, and metaphysics.

William of Ockham

William of Ockham was an English Franciscan friar and scholastic philosopher. He is perhaps best known for "Ockham's Razor," the methodological principle that the simplest explanation or strategy tends to be the best one. This principle is still widely used in scientific and philosophical investigations.

Major Concepts

Natural Theology

Natural theology is a program of inquiry into the existence and attributes of God without referring or appealing to any divine revelation. In scholasticism, natural theology is distinguished from revealed theology, which is based on scripture and the teachings of the Church.

Universals and Particulars

Universals and particulars are the objects of our thoughts and judgments. According to scholastics, universals exist in the mind, while particulars exist in reality. This concept was a major topic of debates in medieval philosophy.

Faith and Reason

The scholastics believed in the harmony of faith and reason. They argued that these two do not contradict each other but rather address different aspects of the human experience. Faith, according to them, is a gift from God, while reason is a natural human capability.

The Impact of Scholasticism on Modern Philosophy

Scholasticism laid the groundwork for the development of modern philosophy. It helped to establish the norm of rational argumentation, the use of precise definitions, and the practice of questioning everything. Despite its religious roots, it played a crucial role in the secularization of learning during the Enlightenment.

In conclusion, scholasticism was a significant movement in medieval philosophy that has left a lasting impact on the way we approach learning and reasoning today. Its emphasis on dialectical reasoning and the reconciliation of faith and reason continue to influence philosophical thought.